NEW RELEASE... "AMONG THE INNOCENT" BY MARY ALFORD

"Among the Innocent" by Mary Alford

Book Blurb:

When Leah Miller's entire Amish family was murdered ten years ago, the person believed responsible took his own life. Since then, Leah left the Amish and joined the police force. Now, after another Amish woman is found murdered with the same MO, it becomes clear that the wrong man may have been blamed for her family's deaths.

As Leah and the new police chief, Dalton Cooper, work long hours struggling to fit the pieces together in order to catch the killer, they can't help but grow closer. When secrets from both of their pasts begin to surface, an unexpected connection between them is revealed. But this is only the beginning. Could it be that the former police chief framed an innocent man to keep the biggest secret of all buried? And what will it mean for Leah--and Dalton--when the full truth comes to light?

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My Initial Thoughts:

#AmongtheInnocent by #MaryAlford was released Tuesday, June 7th, 2022. I previewed the first few pages and so far the writing style seems easy and enjoyable to read. This being a suspenseful serial killer murder mystery with Amish and romantic elements, I so look forward to reading this book this summer and hope to get others to read and discuss it with me!

Thank you so much to the author and @revellbooks for including me in this book launch and gifting me a copy of this book! 💛

Credits: The book blurb and cover photo seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com.

"THE LOVE NOTE" BY JOANNA DAVIDSON POLITANO

"The Love Note" by Joanna Davidson Politano

🔍Book Blurb:

Focused on a career in medicine and not on romance, Willa Duvall is thrown slightly off course during the summer of 1865 when she discovers a never-opened love letter in a crack of her old writing desk. Compelled to find the passionate soul who penned it and the person who never received it, she takes a job as a nurse at the seaside estate of Crestwicke Manor.

Everyone at Crestwicke has feelings--mostly negative ones--about the man who wrote the letter, but he seems to have disappeared. With plenty of enticing clues but few answers, Willa's search becomes even more complicated when she misplaces the letter and it passes from person to person in the house, each finding a thrilling or disheartening message in its words. 

Laced with mysteries large and small, this romantic Victorian-era tale of love lost, love deferred, and love found is sure to delight.

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🔍My Thoughts:

I am currently reading this book, which was highly recommended to me by a close friend. This is the first book I have ever read by Joanna Davidson Politano, and so far, I am really impressed with her writing.

With a setting of 1865 England, this book starts out with an aristocratic party scene, in which the main character, Willa Duvall is receiving her fourth unwanted marriage proposal. She is now at the age and in the time where women are expected to become primarily housewives, and having come from a wealthy and prestigious family, Willa is expected to marry an arranged suitor of similar status, however she has other hopes and dreams for her life that no one seems to acknowledge or understand. Willa has a heart for the broken and desperately needy and saving lives, working alongside her beloved father, the doctor. I love this about Willa, that she cares more about serving the less fortunate than her financial or societal status.

I very much look forward to reading more of this story and will update this post when I finish this book.

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, for which I am very grateful.

My ⭐ Rating: TBD

Credits: The book blurb and cover seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com.

"POINT OF DANGER" BY IRENE HANNON

 "Point of Danger" by Irene Hannon

🔍Book Blurb:

Hate mail was one thing. This was quite another.

Radio talk show host Eve Reilly is used to backlash from her pot-stirring on-air commentary and interviews. But now it seems a disgruntled listener is resorting to more than angry words to express their displeasure. When a suspicious package arrives on her doorstep, Eve turns to law enforcement for help.

Police detective Brent Lange can’t find any evidence to link the string of unsettling incidents that follows, but he’s convinced they’re connected. As the harassment grows more menacing, it becomes clear someone wants Eve’s voice silenced—permanently.

But unless he can track down her elusive foe, the gutsy woman who is willing to take risks for what she believes—and who is swiftly winning his heart—may not survive.

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🔍My Review:

The catchy 1st line of Ch. 1: “The package was ticking.”

Irene Hannon became a favorite author of mine with the books in her "Private Justice" trilogy, which are quite different from "Point of Danger."

This book has a strong focus on conservative political views with its main character, Eve, hosting a radio talk show highlighting some of the most controversial subjects of today's right and left winged groups. This made the suspense and dangers in this book feel very real and current, which I found both stressful and inspirational to read.

I love this author’s writing style and really enjoyed the way the characters and plot were developed in this book, with great pacing, and gripping surprise twists that kept me guessing and made it difficult to put this book down.

I now look forward to reading the next book in this “Triple Threat” series.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Revell/Baker Publishing Group and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review, for which I am very grateful.

My ⭐ Rating: 4 stars

Credits: The book blurb and cover seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com.

"THE RED RIBBON" BY PEPPER BASHAM

"The Red Ribbon" by Pepper Basham

I am so grateful to Barbour Publishing, @justreadtours, and NetGalley for sending me free physical and digital copies of “The Red Ribbon” by @PepperBasham to read and help promote! It has made me very happy to be a part of the launch team for this true crime mystery novel! 😊

Published October 1st, 2020, this is the eighth book in the amazing "True Color" Series -- a collection of historical stories that can each be read as a standalone, with themes of romance and true American crime.

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🔍 Book Blurb:

An Appalachian feud blows up in 1912...

In Carroll County, a corn shucking is the social event of the season, until a mischievous kiss leads to one of the biggest tragedies in Virginia history.

Ava Burcham isn’t your typical Blue Ridge Mountain girl. She has a bad habit of courtin’ trouble, and her curiosity has opened a rift in the middle of a feud between politicians and would-be outlaws, the Allen family. Ava’s tenacious desire to find a story worth reporting may land her and her best friend, Jeremiah Sutphin, into more trouble than either of them planned.

The end result? The Hillsville Courthouse Massacre of 1912.

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I very much look forward to reading this book, and will update this blog with my review when I do. 😊

"TWO REASONS TO RUN" BY COLLEEN COBLE

 Welcome to the Takeover Tour for Two Reasons to Run by Colleen Coble, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Two Reasons to Run
Series: The Pelican Harbor Series book 2
Author: Colleen Coble
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: August 4, 2020
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Gripping romantic suspense from USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble.

A lie changed her world.

Police Chief Jane Hardy is still reeling from the scandal that rocked her small-town department just as she took over for her retired father—the man who wrecked her life with one little lie. Now she’s finally been reunited with her presumed-dead fifteen-year-old son, Will, and his father, documentarian Reid Bechtol.

A crisis looms. 

When a murder aboard the oil platform Zeus exposes an environmental terrorist’s plot to flood Mobile Bay with crude oil, Jane and Reid must put their feelings for each other behind them and work together to prevent the rig from being sabotaged. 

A killer targets her son. 

Then the terrorist puts her son Will’s life on the line. Protecting him could be the common ground they need . . . but then ghosts from the past threaten to ruin Jane and Reid for good. 

She’s got plenty of reasons to run. But what if she stays?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Christianbook

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Colleen Coble is a USA TODAY bestselling author and RITA finalist best known for her coastal romantic suspense novels, including The Inn at Ocean’s Edge, Twilight at Blueberry Barrens, and the Lavender Tides, Sunset Cove, Hope Beach, and Rock Harbor series.

CONNECT WITH COLLEEN: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

 

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of One Little Lie plus Two Reasons to Run by Colleen Coble!

 

Be sure to check out each stop on these tours for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight September 17, 2020 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 24, 2020. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only, void where prohibited by law or logistics.  For our giveaway rules and policy, click HERE.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

  

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

"THE HOUSE ON FOSTER HILL" BY JAIME JO WRIGHT

"The House on Foster Hill" by Jaime Jo Wright

Synopsis:

Kaine Prescott is no stranger to death. When her husband died two years ago, her pleas for further investigation into his suspicious death fell on deaf ears. In desperate need of a fresh start, Kaine purchases an old house sight unseen in her grandfather's Wisconsin hometown. But one look at the eerie, abandoned house immediately leaves her questioning her rash decision. And when the house's dark history comes back with a vengeance, Kaine is forced to face the terrifying realization she has nowhere left to hide.

A century earlier, the house on Foster Hill holds nothing but painful memories for Ivy Thorpe. When an unidentified woman is found dead on the property, Ivy is compelled to discover her identity. Ivy's search leads her into dangerous waters and, even as she works together with a man from her past, can she unravel the mystery before any other lives--including her own--are lost?

My Review:

Wow! The House on Foster Hill is my favorite kind of escape! This is, without a doubt, one of the best mystery/suspense books I’ve ever read, largely due to the author's amazing writing style. This story is quite gripping from beginning to end, and one that will undoubtedly stay in my thoughts for some time. I really enjoyed its dual-time mysteries, interesting characters, and overall eerie atmosphere. Also, this book's cover is gorgeous and fits its story perfectly!

“Death had a way of creeping up on a soul, and Ivy Thorpe was determined that when it visited her, she would not be surprised…”

My heart really went out to Ivy — the main character in 1906 — with the sudden and unexpected loss of a loved one, feeling so alone in and misunderstood by the world around her, and being stalked and preyed upon by a mysterious and evil man. Kaine — the main character in present day — is dealing with the same types of experiences. I love the ways in which these two women are connected over time, and how they both evolve throughout their stories.

The only problem I had with this book is that I have a difficult time reading about anything having to do with human sex trafficking and/or rape, which is in this book, however, I really appreciate that this is minimal with no real detail given of these criminal acts. Overall, the crime in this book is creepy, but clean.

As what I believe is Jaime Jo Wright’s debut novel, The House on Foster Hill proves she is a masterful storyteller, and I will gladly read any book she ever writes!

My ⭐ Rating: 4.75 stars (rounding up to 5 stars)

Note: I gratefully received a free digital copy of this book from its publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Other Credits: The synopsis seen in this post is courtesy of Amazon.com.

"THESE NAMELESS THINGS" BY SHAWN SMUCKER

"These Nameless Things" by Shawn Smucker

Synopsis:

"Before Dan opened his door to find a wounded woman who had escaped from the tormentors in the mountain, his life had become rather quiet. He and the eight other people in the mostly abandoned town had become friends. They spent peaceful evenings around the campfire and even made vague plans to journey east one day and leave the ominous mountain behind.

But the woman's arrival changes everything. Who is she? How does she know so much about Dan's brother, who is still held captive in the mountain? Why are long-forgotten memories rising to the surface? And why does Dan feel so compelled to keep her presence in his house a secret?"

My Review:

"These Nameless Things" is the first book I've ever read by this author, and to be honest, its cover is what initially sparked my interest in reading it, partnered with the fact that it's been labeled a Christian mystery/suspense/thriller -- a genre combination I love. Not knowing much about this book before reading it, I didn't really know what to expect, and my initial thoughts were along the lines of... What in the world is going on here!? This feeling stuck with me throughout most of this book.

"These Nameless Things" is very mysterious and thought-provoking, where every question answered leads to more questions. In an atmosphere that is quite eerie, filled with utter despair and hopelessness, it carries a strong message of forgiveness and finding light in the darkest of places.

I'm really on the fence with rating this book 3 or 4 stars, my reason being that although I enjoyed reading this book, I feel that its pacing is a bit slow, with most things super drawn out, and its ending seems too rushed, leaving many unanswered questions. I can't say much about this without spoiling the book.

My ⭐ Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Note: I received a copy of this book from its publisher in exchange for my reviewing it, for which I am very grateful.

Credits: The book cover and synopsis seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com.  

"DEAD LAKE" BY DARCY COATES

"Dead Lake" by Darcy Coates

My Synopsis & Review:

A young professional artist named Sam stays alone in her Uncle Peter’s cabin for a week to gain creative inspiration and create several paintings, without interruption, for an upcoming exhibition. Her uncle built this cabin himself about 10 years ago as a beautiful place to escape to on occasion, and when he offered it to his niece, she gladly accepted thinking it was just what she needed to get away from all distractions and focus on her art for a bit.

The cabin rests on the shore of a large lake, surrounded by densely wooded mountains, a two-hour drive from the nearest town. It has no electricity, no phone reception, and no running water. In this place, the only method of communication with the outside world is via a battery powered two-way radio. Sam had looked forward to this isolation and believed it would help her, however her fear of this place gradually rises as eery to downright horrifying things occur, both natural and supernatural.

I read this as I was in the mood for a creepy and quick read, and although I enjoyed reading this book, how it was written, and its pacing... it was more terrifying than I imagined it would be and scared me enough to give me some nightmares.

I recommend this book to those who love stories that make your heart race and your skin crawl. To those who frighten easily or somewhat easily, I recommend not reading this book at night or in the dark.

My ⭐ Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Notes: If any of you would like to learn more about Darcy Coates and her books, check out her website, DarcyCoates.com. Also, you can find my review of Dead Lake with my book highlights at Goodreads, here.

Credits: The book cover seen in this post is courtesy of Amazon.com.

"THE KILLING TIDE" BY DANI PETTREY

"The Killing Tide" by Dani Pettrey

Synopsis:

When one Coast Guard officer is found dead and another goes missing, Coast Guard Investigative Service special agent Finn Walker faces his most dangerous crime yet. His only clues are what little evidence remains aboard the dead officer's boat, and the direction the clues point to will test Finn and the Guard to their limits.

When investigative reporter--and Finn's boss's sister--Gabby Rowley arrives, her unrelenting questions complicate an already volatile situation. Now that she's back, the tug on Finn's heart is strong, but with the risks she's taking for her next big story, he fears she might not live through it.

Thrown together by the heinous crime, Finn and Gabby can't ignore the sparks or judgments flying between them. But will they be able to see past their preconceptions long enough to track down an elusive killer, or will they become his next mark?

My Review:

The opening line in this book really grabbed my attention.

So this was how she was going to die….

The Killing Tide has all sorts of dangerous criminals posing a threat to the main characters from the very beginning. This book contains many of the things I love most about Dani Pettrey’s Submerged (one of my favorite books)—interesting family and friendships, action and adventure, thrilling suspense and mystery, an exciting water/dive rescue theme, and a cast of brave heroes and heroines.

Sadly, I feel the main characters of this book (Gabby and Finn) are lacking depth, making it difficult to get invested in them. Their romance is also quite superficial and a bit too heavy for my liking, with more of a focus on physical/sexual attraction than their personalities or internal traits. After finishing this book, I felt like I didn't really know or care too much about these two characters and found myself a lot more interested in the side characters.

Dani Pettrey is one of my favorite authors, and while I didn't love The Killing Tide, I enjoyed reading it and look forward to the next book in the Coastal Guardians series. I’m especially interested in finding out more about the secondary characters, Noah Rowley and Rissi Dawson.

On a side note, the cover of this book is amazing!

My ⭐ Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Note: You can find my Goodreads review of "The Killing Tide" with my highlights here. 

Credits: The book cover and synopsis seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com, and if any of you would like to learn more about Dani Pettrey and her books, check out her website, DaniPettrey.com.

"SUBMERGED" BY DANI PETTREY

"Submerged" by Dani Pettrey

Synopsis:

A sabotaged plane. Two dead deep-water divers.

Yancey, Alaska was a quiet town...until the truth of what was hidden in the depths off the coast began to appear.

Bailey Craig vowed never to set foot in Yancey again. She has a past, and a reputation--and Yancey's a small town. She's returned to bury a loved one killed in the plane crash and is determined not to stay even an hour more than necessary. But then dark evidence emerges and Bailey's own expertise becomes invaluable for the case.

Cole McKenna can handle the deep-sea dives and helping the police recover evidence. He can even handle the fact that a murderer has settled in his town and doesn't appear to be moving on. But dealing with the reality of Bailey's reappearance is a tougher challenge. She broke his heart, but she is not the same girl who left Yancey. He let her down, but he's not the same guy she left behind. Can they move beyond the hurts of their pasts and find a future together?

My Review:

Reading this book, I found myself wishing I could be a part of the McKenna clan. I really enjoyed getting to know this fictional family. The camaraderie and playfulness between siblings and how they all look after one another is quite appealing.

The characters of Submerged are all well developed with varied personalities, ranging from really likable to really detestable. The story plot is very well-paced and the crime elements are mysterious and thrilling, with a bit of a Nancy Drew vibe. I really love the rescue diving theme in this book!

One of my absolute favorite things about Submerged is its message that no one is undeserving of love and forgiveness. This is especially evident in the wonderful character arc of Bailey Craig, as she undergoes a quite significant internal transformation from the beginning to the end of this story. I loved seeing this character evolve and heal from her brokenness.

Submerged is Dani Pettrey's first published novel, the first book I ever read by this author, and one of the first Christian suspense books I ever read (now a favorite genre). I love this book and can't wait to read the rest of Pettrey's written works.

My ⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Notes: This book belongs to the "Alaskan Courage" series. My reviews for the rest of books in this series can be found on Goodreads, which there is a link to near the top of my blog. Also, you can find my Goodreads review of "Submerged" with my book highlights here.

Credits: The book cover and synopsis seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com, and if any of you would like to learn more about Dani Pettrey and her books, check out her website, DaniPettrey.com.

"DECEIVED" BY IRENE HANNON

"Deceived" by Irene Hannon

(Private Justice #3)

Synopsis:

For three years, Kate Marshall has been mourning the loss of her husband and four-year-old son in a boating accident. But when she spots a familiar-looking child on a mall escalator, she's convinced it's her son. With police skeptical of her story, she turns to private investigator Connor Sullivan for help. As the former Secret Service agent digs into the case, the boating "accident" begins to look increasingly suspicious. But if Kate's son is alive, someone is intent on keeping him hidden--and may go to lethal lengths to protect a sinister secret.

My Review:

Yet another well written suspense novel by Irene Hannon with richly developed characters and a captivating storyline.

This is the final book in the "Private Justice" trilogy. Each book in this series focuses primarily on one of Phoenix, Inc.'s private investigators and a case he is working—Cal in "Vanished" (book #1), Dev in "Trapped" (book #2), and Connor in "Deceived" (book #3). I really enjoyed getting to know all of the characters in this series, and I loved the close friendship between these three investigators.

I found "Deceived" to be a gripping read and an excellent conclusion to the "Private Justice" series!

My ⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.

Notes: This is an older review (2017) that I'll be updating when I read this book again. You can find my Goodreads review of "Deceived" with my highlights here.

Credits: The book covers and synopses seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com. Also, if any of you would like to learn more about Irene Hannon and her books, check out her website, IreneHannon.com.

"TRAPPED" BY IRENE HANNON

"Trapped" by Irene Hannon

(Private Justice #2)

Synopsis:

When librarian Laura Griffith's sixteen-year-old sister disappears on a frigid February day, leaving only a brief note behind, Laura resolves to do whatever it takes to track down the runaway teen. That includes recruiting ATF agent turned PI James "Dev" Devlin to help. But the deeper he digs, the more he begins to suspect that something sinister is at work in the girl's disappearance. And the closer he gets to uncovering the truth, the clearer it becomes that the situation isn't just dangerous--it's deadly.

My Review:

This is quite a chilling story with just the right amount of creepiness and complete terror, alongside a heartfelt budding romance. Hannon is rather talented in creating thrilling stories with well-developed, intriguing characters.

I read "Vanished" and "Trapped" (books 1 & 2 in the "Private Justice" series) back to back and these two books share numerous similarities, including many of the same character introductions, relationship details, and very similar plots and settings. For this reason, I recommend putting a bit of time between each book, to avoid the feeling of repetitiveness. The books in this series were written as stand-alone novels that have some connections to one another, but can each be read on their own.

"Trapped" is well written and very well-paced, with suspense building more and more as the story progresses and details are gradually revealed about its villain. I found this book to be highly enjoyable and difficult to put down.

Irene Hannon is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors!

My ⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Notes: This is an older review (2017) that I'll be updating when I read this book again. You can find my Goodreads review of "Trapped" here.

Credits: The book cover and synopsis seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com. Also, if any of you would like to learn more about Irene Hannon and her books, check out her website, IreneHannon.com.

"VANISHED" BY IRENE HANNON

"Vanished" by Irene Hannon

(Private Justice #1)

Synopsis:

Reporter Moira Harrisons is lost. In the dark. In a thunderstorm. When a confusing detour places her on a rural, wooded road, she's startled by the sudden appearance of a lone figure caught in the beam of her headlights. Though Moira jams on her brakes, the car careens across the wet pavement--and the solid thump against the side of the vehicle tells her she hit the person before she crashes into a tree on the far side of the road.

A dazed Moira is relieved when a man opens her door, tells her he saw everything, and promises to call 911. Then everything fades to black. When she comes to an hour later, she is alone. No man. No 911. No injured person lying on the side of the road. But she can't forget the look of terror she saw on the person's face in the instant before her headlights swung away. The person she hit had been in trouble. She's sure of it. But she can't get anyone to believe her story--except a handsome former police detective, now a private eye, who agrees to take on the case.

My Review:

This book has all of the things I now look for in a good suspense novel... A mentally and emotionally captivating plot driven by dangerous circumstances that keep you on the edge of your seat, with compelling characters, and subtle elements of faith and romance, without any profanity, graphic violence, or sexual content.

One of my favorite quotes from this book is: "After that, I started laying my problems and needs before God and asking for grace and guidance and whatever other virtues he thought I needed..."

"Vanished" captured both my mind and my heart. I found this book to be thrilling, uplifting, and truly entertaining. This is the first book I've read by Irene Hannon, and I very much look forward to reading more of her suspense work!

My ⭐ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Notes: This is an older review (2017) that I'll be updating when I read this book again. You can find my Goodreads review of "Vanished" here.

Credits: The book cover and synopsis seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com. Also, if any of you would like to learn more about Irene Hannon and her books, check out her website, IreneHannon.com.